Optical Ising Computing with Parallel Waveguides and Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing optical Ising machines face inefficiencies in operation time due to the serial input of optical signals, leading to increased transmission times and limited computing efficiency when dealing with large numbers of nodes, resulting in a global optimal solution rather than a local optimal solution.

Innovation Solution

An optical computing device utilizing a parametric oscillator array, interaction computing matrix, and feedback modules for parallel processing of optical signals, incorporating waveguides with different materials for heterogeneous integration to enhance computing precision and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If all input optical signals are input in series to the optical Ising machine, then the optimal solution obtained is a global optimal solution ensuring computing precision, but the transmission time of input optical signals is increased greatly, limiting operation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing precisionVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single serial input path into multiple parallel input paths, allowing optical signals to be input simultaneously through different waveguides. This segmentation enables the system to maintain global optimal solution capability while reducing transmission time, as multiple signals can be processed in parallel rather than sequentially

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional serial input structure to a multi-dimensional parallel input structure by introducing multiple waveguides that can simultaneously carry optical signals. This dimensional expansion allows the system to process multiple inputs concurrently, resolving the time-delay issue while preserving computational accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large quantity of input optical signals are introduced to handle large numbers of nodes in the Ising model, then the system can process complex problems, but the transmission time increases significantly, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproblem processing capabilityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the input process by providing multiple waveguides that can simultaneously accept optical signals. This allows the system to handle large numbers of nodes and complex problems by distributing inputs across multiple parallel channels, thereby maintaining high problem-processing capability while improving operational productivity through concurrent signal processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If heterogeneous integration with waveguides of different materials is used, then computing precision is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different waveguide materials optimized for specific functions: silicon nitride waveguides for low-loss transmission and lithium niobate waveguides for electro-optic modulation. Each material is strategically placed where its properties provide the greatest benefit, enhancing computing precision while managing overall device complexity through targeted material selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device achieves high computing precision and efficiency by enabling parallel processing and feedback mechanisms, preventing non-local optimal solutions and reducing signal loss, allowing for compact chip implementation.

Implementation Method 1

The parametric oscillator array is configured to receive a first group of signals, and generate, based on the received first group of signals, a first group of optical signals including a plurality of first optical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParametric oscillation:

Implementation Method 2

incorporating waveguides with different materials for heterogeneous integration to enhance computing precision and efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide transmission: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS12481307B2Optical computing device and optical signal processing method
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12481307B2 patent drawing
  • US12481307B2 patent drawing
  • US12481307B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical computing device includes a parametric oscillator array, an interaction computing matrix, a first feedback system coupled to two ends of the parametric oscillator array, and a second feedback system coupled to the parametric oscillator array and the interaction computing array. The parametric oscillator array is configured to receive a first group of signals, and generate a first group of optical signals including a plurality of first optical signals. The interaction computing array is configured to receive the first group of optical signals, and perform matrix operation on the first group of optical signals. The first feedback system is configured to receive the first group of optical signals, and transmit the first group of optical signals to the parametric oscillator array. The second feedback system is configured to receive the second group of optical signals, and transmit the second group of optical signals to the parametric oscillator array.